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Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Step 1: Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle's tire information placard,
certification label, or in the owner's manual
Step 2: Record the tire pressure of all tires
Step 3: If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly release air by gently pressing
on the tire valve stem with the edge of your tire gauge until you get to the correct pressure
Step 4: If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference between the measured tire pressure
and correct tire pressure. These "missing" pounds of pressure are what you will need to add
Step 5: At a service station, add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is under
inflated
Step 6: Check all the tires to make sure they have the same air pressure (except in cases in
which the front and rear tires are supposed to have different amounts of pressure)
If you have been driving your vehicle and think that a tire is under-inflated, fill it to the recommended
cold inflation pressure indicated on your vehicle's tire information placard of certification label. While
your tire may still be slightly under-inflated due to the extra pounds of pressure in the warm tire, it is
safer to drive with air pressure that is slightly lower than the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold
inflation pressure than to drive with a significantly under-inflated tire. Since this is a temporary fix, don't
forget to recheck and adjust the tire's pressure when you can obtain a cold reading.
Tire Size
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicle's original tires or
another size recommended by the manufacturer. Look at the tire information placard, the owner's
manual, or the sidewall of the tire you are replacing to find this information. If you have any doubt
about the correct size to choose, consult with the tire dealer.
Tire Tread
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or
sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires are not safe and should be replaced when
the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. Tires have built-in tread-wear indicators that let you know
when it is time to replace your tires. These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the
bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear "even" with the outside of the tread, it is time to
replace your tires. Another method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread with
Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, you are ready for
new tires.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
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